Finally: Blackpool Academy Learn Promotion Playoff Date as NLO Releases Fixtures
Blackpool Football Academy have finally learned the date, venue and fixtures for the Nationwide League One (NLO) promotion playoff after the league organisers released the official schedule.
The Akwa Ibom champions will compete in the Slot 3 South-South promotion playoff, which will be played at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, Abia State, from 7 to 11 August 2026.
The playoff had earlier been postponed after an appeal was filed by Jaguar FC following an NFF Disciplinary Committee decision on a protest involving Cynosure FC and a match between Abakaliki Feeders FC and Jaguar FC. The appeal forced the NLO to move the playoffs from the original dates of 29 July to 6–12 August, pending the outcome of the case.
Blackpool Academy booked their place in the playoff after winning the Akwa Ibom NLO Centre. They finished above Blessed Stars on the final day after a 1-1 draw secured top spot. The Uyo-based side then defeated Cross River champions E-World FC on penalties to qualify for the regional playoff.
In Aba, Blackpool Academy will face OYC FC, De-Sapele Lions FC and Rolly FC in a round-robin competition, with promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at stake.
Slot 3 South-South Fixtures
Day One – 7 August
- Blackpool Academy vs OYC FC – 9:00am
- De-Sapele Lions FC vs Rolly FC – 11:00am
Day Two – 9 August
- OYC FC vs Rolly FC – 2:00pm
- Blackpool Academy vs De-Sapele Lions FC – 4:00pm
Day Three – 11 August
- De-Sapele Lions FC vs OYC FC – 10:00am
- Rolly FC vs Blackpool Academy – 12:00pm
The matches will be played at the Enyimba Stadium, while Ginger Sam Stadium in Ntigha will serve as an alternative venue if simultaneous matches are needed to determine qualification.
Slot 4 South-East Fixtures
The NLO also released the fixtures for the Slot 4 South-East promotion playoff, which will also take place at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Day One – 7 August
- Jaguar FC vs Right2Win FC – 4:00pm
- Cynosure FC vs Ekomzy FC – 2:00pm
Day Two – 9 August
- Cynosure FC vs Jaguar FC – 9:00am
- Right2Win FC vs Ekomzy FC – 11:00am
Day Three – 11 August
- Ekomzy FC vs Jaguar FC – 3:00pm
- Right2Win FC vs Cynosure FC – 1:00pm
If there is a tie requiring simultaneous final matches, games will be split between Enyimba Stadium, Aba (Pitch A) and Ginger Sam Stadium, Ntigha (Pitch B).
With the appeal issue now settled and the fixtures confirmed, all eyes will be on Aba as clubs from the South-South and South-East battle for promotion to the Nigeria National League.
